Florida entered the season without a clear-cut starter at quarterback. Now the same questions return for the Gators as they head to Tallahassee for a critical road matchup on Saturday in their final regular season game of 2012.
Sophomore Jeff Driskel, who started nine games under center this season, will return from a sprained right ankle he suffered against Louisiana on Nov. 10. Fellow sophomore Jacoby Brissett completed 14 of 22 passes for 154 yards in Saturday’s 23-0 win against Jacksonville State.
“We’re going to see how the week goes,” coach Will Muschamp said of Driskel’s chances of starting. “I don’t know. I know right now, based on yesterday, that he will play in the game. How much he’s going to play, whether he’s going to start, I don’t know that right now.”
No. 6 Florida (10-1) must beat No. 10 Florida State (10-1) at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in order to remain in the national title discussion. UF is currently ranked No. 4 in the BCS.
The Gators have dropped the past two meetings against the Seminoles, including a 21-7 loss at home last season after which Muschamp called his team “soft.”
The second-year coach feels the Gators’ offensive line is better equipped to combat the Seminoles’ top-ranked defense.
Florida turned the ball over four times and ran for 54 yards last season against Florida State. Brissett entered the game at the end of the first half.
Driskel gives the Gators a running threat at quarterback.
“That’s coach’s decision,” Brissett said on Saturday after defeating Jacksonville State. “Hopefully we can get Jeff back fast and whatever [Muschamp] decides, be ready for.”
As the Gators’ offense contends with the nation’s No. 1 defense, UF’s fourth-ranked defense has to deal with redshirt senior quarterback EJ Manuel, who was a fixture in Heisman Trophy discussions earlier this season.
Manuel, who has 21 touchdowns against six interceptions, has played like a senior quarterback should play, Muschamp said.
The second-year starter averages 270 total yards per game.
“Every week we’ve been facing pretty much a quarterback that can run and is physical, can step up in the pocket and take hits,” linebacker Jon Bostic said. “This will be no different.”
Since losing to N.C. State in Raleigh, N.C., on Oct. 6, the Seminoles have averaged 40.2 points per game. While the Seminoles’ offense has recovered since the early season loss, the Gators’ offense has been stuck in a rut.
Florida takes pride in sustaining long drives but has converted eight of 38 third-down tries the past three games.
“We have to play our best game against FSU,” Brissett said. “We have to come out sharper on first and second down. ... We have to be sharper in the red zone.”
Saturday marks the 57th meeting between Florida and FSU. Both teams have top-five defenses.
Muschamp isn’t interested in speculating on who will take the snaps at Doak Campbell Stadium. He’s focused on developing a game plan, no matter who Florida’s quarterback is.
“I met with the offensive staff [Monday] morning about ... the things we’re going to need to do in the game to be successful,” Muschamp said. “We’ll detail that as the week goes.”
Contact Adam Pincus at apincus@alligator.org.
Quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) carries the ball during Florida’s 27-20 victory against Louisiana on Nov. 10 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
